Def Leppard Founder Pete Willis Honored with Statue in His Hometown
Sheffield, England — June 20, 2025
In an emotional and long-overdue tribute to one of rock music’s unsung pioneers, a statue of Pete Willis, founding guitarist of the iconic British band Def Leppard, was unveiled in his hometown of Sheffield today. Fans, family, local officials, and fellow musicians gathered at Weston Park to celebrate the legacy of the man who helped shape the sound of one of the most influential rock bands in history.
A Monument to a Musical Visionary
The bronze statue, crafted by local sculptor Eliza Carrington, stands just outside Sheffield’s Millennium Gallery and captures Willis in his signature pose—guitar slung low, head slightly tilted in concentration, fingers poised over the strings. At the statue’s base is a plaque reading: “Pete Willis – Founding Member of Def Leppard. Architect of Sheffield’s Rock Legacy.”
The unveiling ceremony featured speeches from Sheffield City Council members, music historians, and most notably, Joe Elliott, Def Leppard’s lead singer, who shared heartfelt reflections on Willis’ crucial role in the band’s formation.
“Without Pete, there is no Def Leppard. He brought us together. He was our spark, our riff machine, the one who made us believe a bunch of Sheffield lads could actually take on the world,” Elliott said, visibly emotional.
Founding the Future of Rock
Born in Sheffield in 1960, Pete Willis co-founded Def Leppard in 1977 alongside Rick Savage. As the band’s original guitarist, Willis was instrumental in shaping their early sound, penning some of the band’s most iconic early riffs and songs. He appeared on the first three albums—On Through the Night (1980), High ‘n’ Dry (1981), and parts of Pyromania (1983), the album that catapulted the band into global stardom.
While his tenure with the band was cut short due to personal struggles, his impact remains indelible. Tracks like “Wasted,” “Let It Go,” and “Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” bear his unmistakable guitar style—gritty, melodic, and full of the raw energy that became Def Leppard’s trademark.
A Journey of Recognition
Despite his departure from the band over four decades ago, fans and critics alike have long called for greater recognition of Willis’ contributions. His recent induction, along with the rest of the classic Def Leppard lineup, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 helped reignite calls to honor his legacy in his hometown.
Local councillor Diane Green spearheaded the campaign for the statue, describing Willis as a “true son of Sheffield” and a “pioneer who helped put our city on the global music map.”
“We often celebrate success when it’s loud and current, but Pete’s success was quiet and foundational. He built something that still moves millions today,” Green said at the ceremony.
Fans Gather from Far and Wide
The statue unveiling drew hundreds of fans from across the UK and beyond. Many wore vintage Def Leppard t-shirts, some held up vinyl albums and guitar picks, and others simply stood in reverent silence as the statue was revealed to applause.
Mark Jeffers, a lifelong fan from Manchester, summed up the sentiment of the day:
“Pete Willis was a hero to many of us. He wasn’t always in the spotlight, but his guitar spoke louder than words. This statue means a lot—not just for him, but for every fan who ever felt empowered by Def Leppard’s music.”
Willis Breaks His Silence
In a rare public appearance, the man of the hour, Pete Willis, attended the event, greeted by a thunderous standing ovation. Now 65, Willis looked visibly moved as he addressed the crowd.
“I never expected anything like this. I played music because I loved it, and I’m grateful to those who still remember and care about what we started. This is more than a statue—it’s a memory cast in metal. Thank you, Sheffield.”
He paused and added with a grin, “And don’t worry—I’ve still got a few riffs left in me.”
Legacy Cast in Bronze
The Pete Willis statue is expected to become a major attraction in Sheffield, standing as a permanent reminder of the city’s deep roots in British rock and its role in launching global music legends. Music educators in the region have already announced plans to include Willis in upcoming youth programs about the city’s cultural history.
As the crowd began to disperse and the sun cast long shadows over the new statue, one thing was clear—Pete Willis may have spent years in the shadows of rock history, but today, he took center stage in the city where it all began.
For Sheffield, for rock fans, and for music history, this moment was not just about honoring a guitarist—it was about recognizing a legacy that continues to echo through every power chord and soaring chorus Def Leppard ever delivered.
